[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 120 (Thursday, September 12, 2013)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1302-E1303] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING PRATT MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Thursday, September 12, 2013 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a pillar of the community, Pratt Memorial United Methodist Church. Pratt Memorial United Methodist Church was founded as a Mission Charge and was organized under the ministry of Reverend Henry Henderson on July 9, 1897. It was housed in a small school building and was called the West Jackson Methodist Episcopal Church. The Reverend J. D. Brooks, who succeeded Reverend Henderson in 1898, built the first parsonage during his two years as a pastor. An effort to build the first church was made by Reverend E. P. Chatman. Although his plan was not completed, he did succeed in the construction to the extent that services could be held. Reverend Chatman served two years and was succeeded by Reverend I. L. Pratt. Unfortunately both the church and the parsonage burned. But by faith and sacrifice, the pastor and the faithful members built the first sanctuary, naming it in honor of Reverend Pratt. He served one year and was followed by Reverend Hiram Mae who was pastor for only six months. Following Reverend Mae, the Conference sent Reverend W. L. Marshall to shepherd the congregation. He succeeded in building the second parsonage but resigned after spending a year and a half at Prat Pratt's seventh pastor, Reverend W. A. Oates, came from Yazoo City, Mississippi and spent two and a half fruitful years paying off many of the church's debts while also ministering to the needs of his people. The Reverends Garrett Tate, Simpson Joshua, Henry Woods, M. T. J. Howard and N. Ross, all followed in succession as pastors of Pratt. Each served one year and each contributed much to the spiritual growth of the loyal and faithful membership. Reverend Prentiss Taylor, the fourteenth pastor, stimulated growth and hope. Reverend Taylor's successor, Reverend E. A. J. Isabel, helped make his dream a reality when he ushered in a new day for membership and under Reverend Isabel, Pratt was taken off the circuit and became a stationed charge. Later a beautiful brick veneer edifice was built and the name was changed from Pratt's Chapel to Pratt Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church. Reverend Isabel broke all previous records of service to the church with a tenure that spanned ten years. He was affectionately called the ``great builder'' and was succeeded by Reverend A. B. Keeling. His business acumen as well as his abilities as a pastor helped him meet the demands of the church. Reverend Keeling took a great interest in the youth of the church, providing opportunities for their talents, to develop leadership qualities and to gain experience through attendance at youth meetings and conferences. Through his work developing young church members, Pratt took its place among the top churches in the conference, attracting area-wide attention in both ministerial and lay circles. Reverend J. C. Hibbler continued the work among the youth and both Reverend Hibbler and his successor, Reverend S. G. Roberts, served three years respectively. Each kept the faith and did much to improve the church grounds and physical structure. Reverend L. E. Johnson was sent to fill the vacancy created by the departure of Reverend Roberts. A powerful minister and good fundraiser, Reverend Johnson reduced the church debt during his four-year tenure. The youth activities were expanded, the membership grew rapidly and other areas of the church were improved Reverend Johnson was elevated to District Superintendent of the Jackson District at the end of his tenure. Through the inspiration of Reverend W. H. Blackman, Reverend Johnson's successor, there was an increase in membership. The three- year stay of Reverend Blackman was due to the call of the Conference for him to become the Executive Secretary of Christian Education of the Mississippi Conference. He was succeeded by Reverend C. P. Payne. Under Reverend Payne's guidance, the balance of the church's indebtedness was paid off and the mortgage was burned on October 1, 1944. Dr. Clovis Chappell, pastor of Galloway Memorial Methodist Church of Jackson, delivered the dedication sermon. Pratt become the third- ranked among the top churches in the Mississippi Conference attracting area-wide attention. Next was Reverend Frank P. Leonard. In spite of a bright outlook for the congregation and good leadership of its pastor, the physical structure collapsed in March, 1953, but the pastor and congregation rebuilt and the new church opening was held March 14, 1954. The beautiful edifice, which now stands, is a tribute to Reverend Leonard and his congregation. The $43,000 debt was reduced to $23,000 by the time the building was completed and Reverend Leonard became District Superintendent the following year. In 1956, Reverend M. T. J. Howard, Jr. was assigned to Pratt. The parsonage was rebuilt and completely furnished. Reverend G. W. Williams succeeded Reverend Howard in 1958. Reverend A. L Holland succeeded Reverend Williams but died at the helm after only six months of service. Reverend C. P. Payne, the District Superintendent, assisted in completing the year's work. In 1963 Reverend Allen Johnson was sent to Pratt. Like his father, Reverend L. E. Johnson, Reverend Johnson was a good fundraiser as well as an organizer. An inspirational choir, a youth choir and a children's choir were all organized. Funds were raised to pay off the church and parsonage indebtedness. Reverend Johnson also became distinguished as a fearless and courageous leader in the Civil Rights Movement of the sixties, which broke down racial barriers. [[Page E1303]] When Reverend Sydney L. Webb appeared on the scene in 1967, the congregation concluded that Pratt must rise to the new challenge in the age of space. As a first step, they envisioned a much needed renovation and building program. With conference and local financial obligations completed for the conference year, the congregation decided to launch a 66th Anniversary program to celebrate as well as to raise funds for the building program. The 66th Anniversary was held June 2, 1968. In June 1969, Reverend Webb was appointed by the Conference to head the Jackson District. Reverend C. E. Applebeny advanced plans initiated by Reverend Webb, the first pastor to serve the church after it became known as Pratt Memorial United Methodist Church. This was due to the union of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church. Reverend Appleberry served two faithful years. Reverend C. P. Payne, who became the only pastor to serve Pratt Memorial on more than one occasion, succeeded Reverend Appleberry. After a two-year period, Reverend Coleman Turner succeeded Reverend Payne. Under Reverend Turner's supervision, the church took on a new life, the choir took on a new look, and the young people became more active in all phases of church life. The financial affairs of the church were ordered and funds were raised to begin the second phase of the building program. The repair of the church steeple was also made. The United Methodist Women were reorganized under Reverend Turner's administration and the women of the church began serving as officers, a choice not open to them before. Following Reverend Turner's retirement after 11 years of service, the 1984 June Annual Conference appointed Reverend Noah Lee Moore to Pratt. As he took over the reins, Reverend Moore faced an uncertain church renovation and remodeling program, which had come to a halt. Being a dynamic young minister with deep spiritual convictions, he provided the leadership for the hour. In less than a year and a half; the church parsonage was renovated, upgraded and painted, followed by the remodeling and renovation of the entire church. During the same time span, the United Methodist Men's organization was revived and revitalized. The youth and children of the church became organized and their activities added much to the life of the church. But perhaps the most historical accomplishment during this period was the resolving of the divisible issue of two units of United Methodist Women in the church. One all-inclusive unit was formed and developed in keeping with the laws of the United Methodist Church. With the anticipated strengthening of all areas of the church so as to implement the ministry it espouses, the securing of a loan from the general church to take over the mortgage incurred for the building program was implemented under the leadership banner of Reverend Moore. Reverend Deborah Mingo Palmer, Pratt Memorial's first female pastor, succeeded Reverend Noah Moore in June 1993. Her ability to inspire and teach the word of God through illustrative sermons sparked increases in Sunday School and worship services' attendance. Her talent for planning and presenting special programs and services made the worship experience unique, colorful and as always--spiritually uplifting. The high energy and innovative ideas of the pastor motivated the membership to revitalize ministries that already had great potential, such as communication, children, youth and young adult ministries. Wonderful Wednesday, Sensational Saturday, The Singles, Orientation Sunday School Class were new ones for Pratt. Another first for Pratt Memorial United Methodist Church was the addition of three Associate Pastors to the personnel roster; Reverend Glenda Funchess, Reverend Carl Palmer, Jr. (the pastor's spouse) and Reverend Eliza Forbes. The Associate Ministers were involved in worship services and other junctions to give ministerial support for the pastor. In Reverend Palmer's fourth year span of leadership, the church parsonage was renovated to accommodate a three-room office and small group meeting space. The church steeple was repaired, two additional lots were purchased and the parking lot was paved and lined. Reverend John L. Cornelius was appointed the thirty-third pastor at the June 1997 and the church purchased the home next to the church parsonage. This was the beginning of the Pratt Memorial UMC Resource Center for computer training and after school tutorial. During Reverend Cornelius' term, the Administrative Council also approved the purchase of a computer and software to keep finances electronically. Rev. Selber M. McShepard was appointed the thirty-fourth pastor of Pratt at the June 2005. With a strong spirit of ministry Pratt connected with eight other West Jackson Churches in The Cluster. The Cluster churches worked on outreach ministry in the district, as well as exchanging pastors one Sunday out of the year. Rev. McShepard encouraged the youth of the church to become active through attendance, in summer camps and connectional ministry meetings. She also worked with the Building and Redevelopment Committee of the church toward the planning of Pratt's first Family Life Center. Rev. Brenda McCaskill was appointed the thirty-fifth pastor of Pratt at the June 2010 Mississippi Conference. She immediately began to work toward improving leadership in the church by conducting monthly Leadership Training Classes. She focused on ministering to young adults in the church and community by helping to establish a Sunday School class and other social activities. Rev. McCaskill was instrumental in establishing a toll free Prayer Line Monday through Friday to pray for their concerns. Her Outreach Ministry included visiting local prisons and programs like the ``Gospel and Youth Explosion'' held in the community. In June of 2013, Rev. DeMario F. Benson, Sr. was appointed the thirty-six pastor of Pratt. He has also focused on improving leadership at Pratt and youth and young adult involvement within the church. He has also been instrumental in initiating a Youth Ministry, Singles Ministry, and Marriage Ministry while at Pratt. We trust that under his leadership, we can keep the faith and adhere to those same principles, which started Pratt on this journey one hundred sixteen years ago. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Pratt Memorial United Methodist Church as they strive to be the guide for others to find the joy of serving God through His Son, Jesus Christ. ____________________